marți, 1 ianuarie 2013

Minoxidil slows or stops hair loss and promotes hair regrowth. It
is available over-the-counter for the treatment of androgenic alopecia.
Minoxidil must be used indefinitely for continued support of existing
hair follicles and the maintenance of any experienced hair regrowth. It
is marketed under many trade names, including Avacor Physician's
Formulation, Togain, Loniten (oral), Mintop, Amexidil, Rogaine, etc.

Earlier minoxidil was used to treat high blood pressure but
interestingly hair growth was the side effect. Minoxidil may cause
increased growth or darkening of fine body hairs, or
in some cases, significant hair growth. When the medication is
discontinued, the hair loss will return to normal rate within 30 to 60
days. The mechanism by which minoxidil promotes hair growth is not fully
understood.

Minoxidil is less effective when there is a large
area of hair loss. In addition, its effectiveness has largely been
demonstrated in younger men who have experienced hair loss for less than
5 years. Minoxidil use is indicated for central hair loss only.
Hypothetically, by widening blood vessels and opening potassium
channels, it allows more oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the follicle.
This may cause follicles in the telogen phase to shed, which are then
replaced by thicker hairs in a new anagen phase.Treatments usually
include a 5% concentration solution that is designed
for men, whereas the 2% concentration solutions are designed for women.

Side effects of minoxidil are burning or irritation of the
eye, itching, chest tightness, redness or irritation at the treated area, as well as
unwanted hair growth elsewhere on the body. Users should stop treatment
and seek medical attention right away if they experience any of the above side effects.

Manufacturers note that minoxidil-induced hair loss is a common side
effect and describe the process as "shedding". Although this phenomenon
demonstrates that minoxidil is indeed affecting hair follicles,
manufacturers offer no guarantee that the new hair loss will be replaced
with hair growth. The speculated reason for this shedding is the
encouragement of hairs already in the telogen phase to shed early.

Minoxidil needs to be applied once or the recommended twice daily, and
may be used indefinitely for continued support of existing hair
follicles and the maintenance of any experienced hair regrowth. To
achieve maximum effect, the solution should be in contact with the scalp
for at least 4 hours before allowing hair to get wet.